Light
Full sun / direct • approx. 40,000–80,000 lux
Buy 4 plants, get 1 free
Vitaceae
Cyphostemma juttae
- Curated selection:
Every plant is hand‑picked for health and visual appeal, so you receive a strong, well‑established plant.
- Representative photos:
Product images show a typical plant of this variety. Natural differences in leaf number, shape or variegation are normal, your plant will still match in type and quality.
- Size details:
Listed sizes refer to pot diameter (cm) and approximate overall height (cm) from the base of the pot to the tallest leaf or stem.
- “Get What You See” items:
If you are buying the exact plant shown in the photos, this is clearly stated in the size section.
- Individual photos:
One‑off photos are only provided when this is explicitly mentioned in the size section. - For special traits or small quirks, please check the full product description.
VAT included · plus
Your new plant has just travelled a long way and needs a calm start in its new home. For step-by-step unboxing and first-week care, check our after-delivery care guide. For deeper tips on how your plant settles in over the next weeks, read our houseplant acclimatization guide.
- Care basics , Main hub with links to all houseplant care guides.
- After delivery & first week , Unpacking, first placement, and early recovery.
- Light, How much light houseplants really need indoors.
- Watering , When to water and how to avoid root rot.
- Substrates & roots, Potting mixes and drainage for strong root systems.
- Humidity, When humidity matters and what actually helps.
- Fertilizing, Simple feeding routine without burning roots.
- Problems & pests, Yellow leaves, brown tips, bugs, and fixes that work.
- Semi-hydro, How to run low-maintenance mineral substrates.
Secure shipping, carefully packed orders with safe delivery across the EU, UK and Switzerland.
28-day plant guarantee, if a plant arrives damaged or fails soon after delivery, we help you make it right.
Free returns, simple, cost-free returns according to our policy.
For full details, please see:
Please head to our FAQ Page or Contact us.
Cyphostemma juttae
Quick Care Guide
Watering
Water when ~90–100% dry
Substrate
Airy + gritty • Fast-draining • Mineral-leaning • Medium
Temperature
Ideal: 18–30 °C • Avoid below: 0 °C
Humidity
Normal 40–50 %
Growth habit
Upright caudiciform succulent shrub.
Support
not needed
Growth speed
Slow
Max size indoors
Max. height: 200 cm • Max. spread: 100 cm
Toxicity & safety
Pet safety unconfirmed
Origin & habitat
Native to northwestern and north-central Namibia
Outdoor growing
Outside from 10 °C · sheltered spot
How to read these values
These care values are quick reference points for indoor growing. Use them as a guide, then adjust for pot size, substrate, temperature and how quickly the substrate dries.
For more detail, read the full product description or visit our Plant Care Guides.
- Light: level and approximate lux at leaf level.
- Watering: “% dry” shows how far the substrate should dry before watering again.
- Substrate: structure, drainage, moisture retention, base material and particle size.
- Temperature: “Ideal” shows the preferred range; “Avoid below” marks the cold-stress threshold.
- Humidity: target range; steady conditions usually matter more than exact numbers.
- Growth habit: how the plant grows, such as upright, climbing, trailing, clumping or rosette-forming.
- Support: whether a stake, pole or trellis is needed, optional or unnecessary.
- Growth speed: expected pace under suitable indoor conditions; use as a guide, not a promise.
- Max size indoors: realistic long-term indoor size under good conditions.
- Toxicity & safety: irritation, toxicity or physical hazards such as spines or bristles.
- Origin & habitat: native range, hybrid background or typical habitat where relevant.
- Outdoor growing: when a potted indoor plant can be placed outside and what outdoor protection it needs.
Cyphostemma juttae – Caudiciform Succulent Tree with Bottle-Shaped Stem and Seasonal Foliage
Cyphostemma juttae (Dinter and Gilg) Desc. is an extraordinary slow-growing succulent tree admired by collectors for its massive bottle-shaped trunk and striking seasonal cycle. This caudiciform forms either a single swollen stem or several thickened trunks, crowned by a compact canopy of serrated, blue-green leaves during the growing season. In winter it sheds its foliage entirely, leaving only the sculptural stem and papery bark exposed – a dramatic shift that highlights its adaptation to arid climates.
Defining Characteristics of Cyphostemma juttae
- Stem (caudex): Bottle-shaped, up to 2 m tall and 1 m thick; occasionally reaching 4 m
- Leaves: Broad, serrated, blue-green and deciduous; form a dense crown in summer
- Bark: Yellow-green trunk with distinctive white, peeling papery layers that reflect heat
- Fruits: Borne in grape-like clusters, turning red to purple, adding strong ornamental value
Native Range and Adaptations
This species is endemic to arid regions of Namibia, where extreme heat and seasonal droughts have shaped its survival strategy. The swollen trunk serves as a water reservoir, while the papery bark reflects intense sunlight, reducing stem temperatures. Its deciduous growth cycle is another key adaptation, conserving energy and water during the dry winter months.
Growing Cyphostemma juttae at Home
- Light requirements: Prefers full sun to bright, indirect light; indoors place near a south-facing window
- Watering: Moderate during active growth; allow soil to dry between waterings; keep almost dry in dormancy
- Substrate: Mineral-rich, sharply draining mix suitable for caudiciform succulents
- Temperature: Warm conditions (18 – 32 °C); protect from frost and prolonged cold
- Feeding: Use a diluted cactus/succulent fertilizer monthly in the active season
- Container: Requires a sturdy pot to support heavy trunk mass; raised planters showcase its form
Seasonal Cycle and Dormancy
During summer, Cyphostemma juttae pushes out lush foliage and begins storing water in its trunk. By late autumn to winter, leaves yellow and drop completely. This dormant phase is normal and essential – reduce watering significantly and enjoy the sculptural form of the bare caudex.
Common Issues and Care Tips
- Leaf scorch: Can occur if suddenly exposed to intense midday sun without acclimation
- Overwatering: Risk of root and stem rot; always let substrate dry out
- Pests: Occasionally mealybugs on new growth; treat early with insecticidal soap
- Slow growth: Normal for this species; patience is part of its appeal
Additional Notes
While its grape-like fruits are visually attractive, they are toxic and should not be consumed. This plant is best appreciated for its sculptural presence, making it a favourite centerpiece in caudiciform collections or desert-themed displays.
Etymology of Cyphostemma juttae
The genus name Cyphostemma comes from the Greek words kyphos (“hump”) and stemma (“wreath” or “garland”), referring to the swollen stems and clustered growth habit. The specific epithet juttae honours Jutta Dinter, wife of German botanist Kurt Dinter, who contributed greatly to the documentation of Namibian flora.
Add Cyphostemma juttae to Your Collection
If you’re looking for a truly architectural succulent that evolves dramatically with the seasons, Cyphostemma juttae is a must-have. Order now and bring this iconic caudiciform into your plant collection.
Plant names, growth habits, natural habitats and indoor care guidance are checked against trusted botanical, habitat and horticultural references before publication.View our plant care resources and references.
FAQs about Cyphostemma juttae
Recently viewed:
%20Desc.%20is%20an%20extraordinary%20slow-growing%20succulent%20tree%20admired%20by%20col...){kind=link}
Sign up for Foliage Factory newsletter for early access to new arrivals and practical care tips that work in real homes.